I Was Raised for Jihad

I grew up in Gaza, indoctrinated to hate Israel and the West. For peace to take hold, things have got to change.

Editor's Note: A key contributor to the failure of the Oslo peace plan was the ongoing indoctrination of Palestinian children to hatred -- in textbooks, television, mosques and summer camps. Now, with democratic progress in the Middle East, and the glimmer of hope toward a peace agreement in Israel, an important new initiative was launched this week -- Teach Kids Peace -- to ensure that Palestinian children are educated toward a culture of peace.

The following article, reprinted from TeachKidsPeace.com, is a first-hand account of education toward a culture of hate.

Terrorism coming out of the Muslim world did not happen by coincidence; it is the direct result of a culture that has been promoting hate, jihad and anti-Semitism for generations.

I grew up in Egypt controlled Gaza in the 1950's, at a time of President Nasser commitment to unify the Arab world and destroy Israel. He mobilized the Arabs in Gaza to start the 'Fedaeen' movement to make undercover cross-border attacks to terrorize Israel. My father who headed the Egyptian military in Gaza and the Sinai at the time, was killed as a result of these operations. He was hailed as a national hero, a 'Shahid,' meaning martyr. Nasser vowed that all of Egypt would take revenge and made no mention of the heavy toll of death and destruction brought upon Israel.

During that time Jihad meant a holy war and was not yet developed into the current epidemic of Muslim suicide bombers. The reason jihad has developed into the epidemic of suicide bombers is because of the deterioration of Arab educational system that has based its curriculum on hate, vengeance and retaliation against non-Muslims, especially Jews.

They taught us to solve disputes through violence.

In Gaza elementary schools I learned of hate, vengeance and retaliation. Peace was never an option and never mentioned as a virtue as long as Jews existed. The Glory of battle was the ultimate honor. They scared us from Jews and taught us to solve disputes through violence. I was told not to take any candy from strangers since it could be a Jew trying to poison me. Girls were in tears reciting jihadist poetry daily and pledging to give up their lives as martyrs.

National Obsession

After several generations brought up under this severe indoctrination, many Arab children were brainwashed like robots to value suicide bombers as someone to look up to in the hope of going to heaven. This unprecedented and extreme form of jihad produced the current generation of suicide bombers who kill non-Muslims with no mercy.

The indoctrination was not just in schools but also in songs, poetry, movies, cartoon and every facet of life. The divine mission of every generation was to take over the endless duty of jihad.

The goal of education was to instill a commitment to destroy the state of Israel; which became the Arab national obsession. Arabs convinced themselves that the existence of Israel gives them a carte blanche to do anything, and nothing was more sacred. The end result is a culture -- out of control, fueled by oil money, and contaminating the world with terror.

As a child, I was discouraged from questioning the teachings of hatred of Jews and other non-Muslims; to do that was an unforgivable sin. I quickly learned to keep my opinions and questions to myself. One has to hate the enemies of Islam to be a good Muslim.

The indoctrination of Muslim children into hatred of a common enemy was also used as a tool for compliance. Jihad needs hatred of an enemy, and hatred comes out of fear, thus fear of Jews had to be promoted constantly by incredible tales and lies. That was not hard since most Arab children never met or interacted with Jews. Isolating and boycotting Israel was thus vital in promoting hate.

Destroy the Infidels

Arab culture relies on fear of a common enemy to bring about unity and cohesion among its citizens to form in a united front. This is necessary in an oppressive culture that discounts individual rights, privacy and promotes death for God's approval. The unity of Muslims has to be maintained and nourished constantly at the expense of hate propaganda against Israel and the West.

Hate speech and violence is also taught in mosques. Muslim clergy have failed miserably in stabilizing their society. Instead of being a source of comfort and wisdom, they have become a source of hate, rage and subversion. They work the worshipers into a frenzy of anger and paranoia against the West and Israel.

I realized something was very wrong in the way my religion was taught and practiced.

I remember, as a young woman, visiting a Christian friend in Cairo during the Friday prayers, and we both heard the verbal attacks on Christians and Jews from the loudspeakers outside the mosque. We heard "May God destroy the infidels and the Jews, the enemies of God. We are not to befriend them or make treaties with them." We also heard worshipers responding "Amen." My friend looked scared, and I was ashamed. That was when I first realized that something was very wrong in the way my religion was taught and practiced.

The end result of this kind of educational system is a dysfunctional society that is exporting terrorism to the world. Arabs have to understand that they have created a failed system that has to be changed. This system is hurting Arab children and society from within more than they realize; it is simply a system that will not solve, but will create worse problems and unintended consequences. The teaching of hate in the hope of hurting the enemy is a form of child abuse against the healthy upbringing of Muslim children.

It is the duty of good Muslims to bring out and uplift the compassion, forgiveness and tolerance in Islam; not only verbally but also through their actions. Teaching Arab kids peace, tolerance and compassion is essential to bring about a better and more prosperous society and the only solution to Islamic terrorism. That is the only way to build trust, respect and peace between nations.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 13

(13)
Anonymous,
December 14, 2006 3:45 PM

Think For Yourself

Check out my song "Think For Yourself" at www.myspace.com/anthonylongo1 and tell me what you think. The song is about terrorism, suicide bombing, Jihad, and Sectarian Violence.

(12)
Anonymous,
July 29, 2006 12:00 AM

Your comments about Muslim women

I listened to your comments on the Mike Rosen show, 850KOA, Denver, about how Muslim women are treated, and the jihad taught. It's so frightening, and I'm hoping Israel completes the war against the radicals.

(11)
Victor,
July 20, 2006 12:00 AM

Why the hatered of Isreal by the Arab world

It has been a long hatered for the Isrealites. I've always wondered if there is anything wrong for an Isrealites to exits as a people, despict the fact that some of the Arab worlds are their brothers, either through Ishmeal or Easu. The present Arab worlds have allowed the long hatered between their forefathers Ishmeal and Easu against nephew and brother to linger on between them in this present dispensation. I call for the Arab brothers of the middle East to seak for peace among their brother Isreal, and stop the terror in that region. Terrorism only keeps us in a state of fear, for our children, our women and the less previledge of the society. Hatred for fellow human being is an evil to the concience of man.

(10)
eugene,
March 27, 2006 12:00 AM

Thank you .

Hi Nonie, Osama Ladden is a good muslim, why I say this is because he follow exactly what the quran stated. So are all the jihadist. I've been visiting www.faithfreedm.org very regularly, I do have a very good understand of islam. I keep hearing the politically correct term of - good muslim, moderate muslim, progressive muslim, radical muslim, NO, there is only one muslim. There is no way you can reform islam, reforming islam means you will have to rewritethe quran, this is absurd. Just leave islam and be human. Do not be a hypocrate.

(9)
Anonymous,
July 29, 2005 12:00 AM

Bravo!!!!!!

To Nonnie Darwish I say Thank you for that wonderful article. As a Jew and an American, I'm very glad to know that there are some people out there who are Muslim who are just as repulsed by Islamic funtamentlism and terrorism as I am and who are couragous enough to admit the faults of Islamic societies in the Middle East and call for a reformation of those societies to stop the indoctrination of hate and violence against Non-Muslims and the West. I agree with you 100%. Children in Islamic societies are being taught to hate non-muslims and the West and this has got to stop, not only because it propagates a continuous vicious cycle of violence and hatred but it also gives non-Muslims the idea that since this is done on a societal and social basis, that a large majority of Muslims think that way. I know that's not true, I know that not all muslims are hateful and wish to commit acts of hatred and violence against non-Muslims. I know that not all Muslims want to destroy Israel and kill Jews. But sometimes it does seem like that. I too, like you, wish that there were peace in the Middle East, that Israel could just exist in peace without the threat of violence. Bravo and Kudos to you for your efforts.

(8)
Anonymous,
June 9, 2005 12:00 AM

Liberals and secular Jews the world over need to read Nonie Darwish's article. Much of what she writes is already known to many to follow events in Israel, and the conclusions should be obvious. Instead of blaming Israel, we need to find ways to change Arab and Palestinian society. And that can only come from the inside. I hope Nonie Darwish will be the start.

(7)
Shushana,
May 4, 2005 12:00 AM

Finally! this has been the central issue in the quest for peace. the population has been indoctrinated for generations now and we have wasted our time with guns and peace treaties. no peace can come, with this attitude.

i wish this organization much hatzlacha and will keep updating myself with your progress.

one could call it; genius.

(6)
bhaskar trivedi,
April 29, 2005 12:00 AM

just a lonely voice

The article definitely gives an insight on the other side but the confession about the indoctrination of the arab children in hatred is not a surprise.

Everytime i watch television palestinians keep on protesting to the west that they are the oppressed ones & thus this justifies the actions of the suicide bombers.
I once witnessed on TV an arab woman who was brought up & educated in the US.She had gone back to palestine & on an interview with CNN she tried to justify the suicide bombers by saying that these were people without any hope.
I just ask one simple question that even after entering the new millenia, even when the world has changed so much why can't the arab world & the palestinians change ther policy & thinking. Well i almost know the answer for that because decades of rage & hatred that has been treasured by the arabs can't just vanish.

I live in India & i am a native of KASHMIR, i've survived two IED explosions, my little sister had to run 7 miles barefoot when an explosion took place at the Independence day celebrations in her school, she was just 4 years old. What i am saying is that i am just not writing this message because i am sympathetic to the jews but i know how it feels like running in a street with people crying for help & your friends lying dead on the ground, & u r surrounded by charred bodies & arms, fingers & limbs spread around you.

(5)
Enyinna,
April 27, 2005 12:00 AM

This is a welcome development-

The muslim child and society deserve fredom and the best.
Let us all join hands to no matter our religion to give them the best they deserve.

(4)
allyson rowen taylor,
April 27, 2005 12:00 AM

Nonie Darwish is a hero of all people

Nonie is a bacon of light in a very sad time in our history. She speaks not only from her knowledge, but from her heart. She has put herself on the line for peace, and truth. She is a rightwous gentile in every sense of the word.

(3)
Markoosie Patsauq,
April 26, 2005 12:00 AM

Cure for Disease

Hatred, like cancer, can be deadly if not treated early. Those who taught that hatred will solve any type of problem have atomic time bomb on their hands.Only love for fellow human can cure the disease.

(2)
Anonymous,
April 26, 2005 12:00 AM

What is a good Muslim?

A Muslim who doesn't believe in jihad is an apostate and can be executed. Jihad is in the koran. So what parts of the koran is Ms Darwish adhering to and which parts is she ignoring (the part about the Jew hiding behind the rock and begging to be killed I suppose is something to be ignored as long as the article appears at aish.com)

I'm sorry, I don't know what to make of Ms Darwish or Ms Manji either. These are all things we want to hear a "rational" Muslim say but the koran says taqiyya (lying) is an obligation in war. They are at war with us, the infidels and sons of pigs and monkeys.

I guess I'm not all for reaching out when our lives depend so much on being right in choosing who to reach out to.

(1)
Maida Waldner Genser,
April 26, 2005 12:00 AM

about "I Was Raised for Jihad" by Nonie Darwish

I think it is wonderful that you printed this article. It is important to know that there is a movement in the Palestinian community for teaching children peace. That is our greatest hope for the future.

If we could all act from faith and love and join forces with others who think positively, we can achieve peace.

My Christian friends are always speaking about “faith.” To me this sounds a lot like blind faith. Is that really the essence of religion?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

I'm afraid that this is another case of a Christian concept being mis-associated with Judaism.

Let's first define our terms. What is faith?

Webster defines faith as "Belief without proof."

What is knowledge? "An acquaintance with truth, facts or principles through study or investigation."

Faith is usually a product of desire. Have you ever gotten a tip on the market that guarantees you're going to triple your money in a month? A lot of smart people have gotten fleeced because they ignored the evidence and went with their feelings.

Knowledge, on the other hand, is based on evidence. We know there's a place called China because we have too many products in our house saying "made in China." There's a lot of evidence for the existence of China, even though most of us have never been there.

Judaism unequivocally comes down on the side of knowledge, not faith. In Deuteronomy 4:39, the Torah says: "You shall know this day, and understand it well in your heart, that the Almighty is God; in the heaven above and the earth below, there is none other." (This verse is also contained in the prayer, "Aleynu.")

This verse tells us that it is not enough to simply know in your head, intellectually, that God is the Controller of everything. You must know it in your heart! This knowledge is much more profound than an intellectual knowledge. God gave us a brain because he wants us to think rationally about the world, our role in it, and our relationship with God.

A conviction based on desire or feelings alone has no place in Judaism. The Hebrew word "emunah," which is often translated as faith, does not describe a conviction based on feelings or desire. It describes a conviction that is based on evidence.

Once this knowledge is internalized, it effects how a person lives. A person with this knowledge could transform every breathing moment into a mitzvah, for he would do everything for the sake of the heaven. But this is not a "knowledge," that comes easily. Only intensive Torah learning and doing mitzvahs can achieve this knowledge. Every word of Torah we learn moves us just a little bit closer to that goal. And everyone is capable of that.

To learn more, read "The Knowing Heart," by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Feldheim.com). This entire book is an explanation of this verse!

In 350 BCE, the building of the second Holy Temple was completed in Jerusalem, as recorded in the biblical Book of Ezra (6:15). The re-building of the Temple had begun under Cyrus when the Persians first took over the Babylonian empire. The re-building was then interrupted for 18 years, and resumed with the blessing of Darius II, the Persian king whom is said to be the son of Esther. The Second Temple lacked much of the glory of the First Temple: There was no Ark of the Covenant, and the daily miracles and prophets were no longer part of the scenery. The Second Temple would stand for 420 years, before being destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE.

You shall know this day and consider it within your heart(Deuteronomy 4:39).

Business people who are involved in many transactions employ accountants to analyze their operations and to determine whether or not they are profitable. They may also seek the help of experts to determine which products are making money and which are losing. Such studies allow them to maximize their profits and minimize their losses. Without such data, they might be doing a great deal of business, but discover at the end of the year that their expenditures exceeded their earnings.

Sensible people give at least as much thought to the quality and achievement of their lives as they do to their businesses. Each asks himself, "Where am I going with my life? What am I doing that is of value? In what ways am I gaining and improving? And which practices should I increase, and which should I eliminate?"

Few people make such reckonings. Many of those that do, do so on their own, without consulting an expert's opinion. These same people would not think of being their own business analysts and accountants, and they readily pay large sums of money to engage highly qualified experts in these fields.

Jewish ethical works urge us to regularly undergo cheshbon hanefesh, a personal accounting. We would be foolish to approach this accounting of our very lives with any less seriousness than we do our business affairs. We should seek out the "spiritual C.P.A.s," those who have expertise in spiritual guidance, to help us in our analyses.

Today I shall...

look for competent guidance in doing a personal moral inventory and in planning my future.

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